I can't comment on the Esoteric, but I'd offer that I've never heard redbook as "listenable" as through the Audiomeca. I have the Mephisto II and Enkianthus combination and have been totally satisfied with both units. I would stop short of saying they're "laid back" but certainly would agree that they're smooth. There may be some folks who want an aggressive sound (if that's what you mean by "dynamic") but I'd rather be seduced by the music rather than beat up by it. Yes it's smooth, but there's no loss of detail or air. To each his own!